How To Close Your Inground Pool
1. You can prevent water from gathering in the skimmer by using a block-off plate. This is very useful with skimmers that utilize wall skimmer outlets and inlets. In addition, create a barrier to the return casing by installing a plug in the pool's interior. Don't let the return fitting stick out into the pool, and be sure that no water can get into the skimmer. If you don't do this, ice formation will surround the skimmer and return fittings. Shifting ice can cause rips in the wall around these pieces of equipment.
2. Place a pool pillow (also known as an ice compensator) in the pool. This will relieve the pressure of any ice that forms, thereby preventing damage to the pool walls. It's important that your pool pillow be the right size for your pool.
3. Ideally, you should apply pool chemicals prior to commencing winterization. Here are the steps you will take: 1/ Shock or super-chlorinate. 2/ Run your filtration system 4-6 hours. 3/ Install winterizing kit. 4/ Cover your pool.
4. It is important to install a cover in order to ensure your pool is protected from debris. When you secure the pool cover, be sure to leave some slack. This will remove pressure from the frame of the pool and allow the cover to rest on the surface of the water. Clear off any snow that accumulates on the surface of the pool cover.
5. It is important to do a good job when you backwash your pool filter. Take out the elements of either a diatomaceous earth filter or a cartridge filter and spray them clean with your hose. At this point, take off the filter's and the pump's winterizing plugs, if present. If your valve is equipped with a sight glass, be sure that the valve is removed. Take off the pressure gauge and shake it to get out trapped moisture. For pools with an in-line chlorinator system, take off the lid and the winterizing cap. If any chlorine is present, remove it and get rid of it, following safety precautions. If your valve is multi-port, you can position the selector handle between two selections. By doing this, you will be able to keep the valve open so that any water that might be present will not freeze. Take off and clean out any filter hoses. When winterizing your heater, remove the plugs, remove the manifold winterizing plug, and turn off the gas. Neglecting these steps could result in costly damage.
Be sure your pump remains uncovered. If you cover it with plastic, moisture will condense and damage the internal workings of the pump. A smart suggestion is to use a heater cover to prevent entrance of foliage and other debris that might lead to a fire as you start up the heater the following season.
During the winter season or the period of pool winterizing, the pool should not be disturbed.
Tip: If you don't want to spend time worrying about your pool, contact a pool cleaning service today.
